Recently, tens of thousands of tons of coal ash leaked into a North Carolina river, when a Duke Energy pipe burst and caused a disastrous spill. In addition to the horrifying environmental consequences, this river also serves as a drinking water source for a city just six miles downriver. Coal ash is a toxic waste byproduct from burning coal, and it is estimated that 50,000 to 82,000 tons of coal ash mixed with 27 million gallons of water were spilled. Sign this petition to demand a better storage system for the coal ash to prevent this from ever happening again.

Duke Energy has long stored its coal ash in antiquated pits located near important water sources. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has been urging Duke Energy to move their toxic waste byproduct to more secure storage areas, protecting local water and vegetation. Pollution spills seep into the soil, disrupting and even killing much of the natural environment, including plants, trees, habitats, animals.

These natural resources are not endless; they must be protected and preserved if we expect our environment to be sustainable. If we want clean drinking water, we must take care of our rivers. Duke Energy cannot be allowed to drop tens of thousands of tons of coal ash into our water sources without recognizing the need for better storage for their toxic byproduct. Sign this petition demanding a new storage space for Duke Energy’s pollution, which should be located far from our rivers.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear CEO Good,

I learned about the most recent Duke Energy spill in North Carolina. It is estimated that somewhere between 50,000 to 82,000 tons of coal ash pollution were spilled into the nearby river. While your company has temporarily managed to block the leak, a permanent solution is still pending.

I am writing to say my preferred solution to this problem is the same view shared by the SELC: find new and better storage areas for your toxic byproduct. It is not acceptable to poison our environment and our water with tens of thousands of tons of toxic waste. As I’m sure you’re aware, Duke Energy was founded in 1905. With over 100 years of experience, it seems natural to expect this company to be able to step up to the plate and store its pollution in a safer manner.

There is no need for this to ever occur again. Please move your toxic waste byproduct to better storage areas, where pollution cannot run off into rivers and contaminate local drinking sources.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: KTrimble via Wikimedia

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